Investment from
£29,995
Category
Automotive Franchises
Established
1994
About This Franchise
ChipsAway is the largest SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) car body repair network in the country, with over 200 specialists operating nationwide. Launched in 1994 and backed by Franchise Brands plc, ChipsAway offers franchisees a proven, flexible model with extensive training, national advertising, and an average of over 1,000 customer leads per year per territory. With a 5-star Trustpilot rating and full BFA membership, it remains one of the most recognised and trusted names in automotive repair.
A detailed look at the ChipsAway Franchise franchise opportunity, what's involved and what makes it stand out.
If you have ever thought about owning a business in the automotive sector but worried about needing years of technical experience, the ChipsAway franchise could be the opportunity you have been looking for. As the country's number one mobile car body repair brand, ChipsAway has spent over three decades building a reputation that customers recognise and trust. With more than 200 franchisees already operating across the network, ChipsAway has refined a model that works for people from all backgrounds, whether you are leaving a corporate career, looking for a better work-life balance, or simply want to be your own boss.
The automotive aftermarket is a thriving sector. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), over 2 million new cars were registered in 2025 alone, adding to the tens of millions of vehicles already on the road. Research suggests that around 65% of those vehicles have some form of minor body damage, from car park scuffs and bumper scrapes to kerbed alloy wheels. That translates to a massive, ongoing demand for convenient, affordable repair services, and ChipsAway franchisees are perfectly positioned to tap into it.
As a ChipsAway franchise owner, you will provide high-quality SMART repairs to everyday car body damage. This includes paintwork scratches, bumper scuffs, minor dents, and alloy wheel repairs. Most repairs are completed in just a few hours, and franchisees typically work from a fully equipped mobile workshop, visiting customers at their home or workplace. For those with bigger ambitions, ChipsAway also supports the development of fixed-location Car Care Centres, which can handle higher volumes and larger jobs.
The flexibility of the ChipsAway franchise model is one of its biggest selling points. You decide how much you want to work, when you want to work, and how big you want your business to grow. Some franchisees are happy running a single van operation and enjoying the lifestyle benefits that come with it. Others expand to multi-van operations or open their own Car Care Centre, employing staff and significantly increasing turnover.
One of the strengths of the ChipsAway model is the flexibility to start lean and grow at your own pace, or step straight into a larger fixed-site operation if that fits your ambition.
No prior automotive experience is required. Over 90% of ChipsAway franchisees had no industry background before joining the network. The franchise package includes a comprehensive four-week training programme at ChipsAway's purpose-built, IMI-accredited facility. This covers both the technical skills needed to deliver professional repairs and the business, sales, and marketing skills to help you hit the ground running.
Key support includes:
The ChipsAway franchise fee is £29,995 + VAT. This covers your training, initial equipment, start-up stock (approximately three months' worth), a netbook loaded with business software, an all-weather marquee, uniform, and stationery. It is worth noting that you only need £20,000 + VAT in personal funds to get started, as financing options are available to cover the remainder. The franchise fee is separate from any working capital you may need during the early stages of trading.
In terms of earning potential, the ChipsAway head office generates an average of over £150,000 worth of customer enquiries per franchisee each year. How much of that you convert into revenue depends on your ambition, your area, and how hard you work. Some franchisees comfortably turn over £80,000+ per year, while others, like long-standing franchisee Keith McGowan, have built operations turning over in excess of £1 million annually from a flagship Car Care Centre.
| Franchise fee | £29,995 + VAT |
| Personal funds required | From £20,000 + VAT (financing covers the rest) |
| Includes | Training · Equipment · 3 months stock · Netbook · Marquee · Uniform |
| Avg leads value generated | £150,000+ per franchisee per year |
| Funding | Third-party finance available subject to status |
Starting an independent car body repair business might seem appealing, but the ChipsAway franchise offers advantages that are hard to replicate on your own. Brand recognition is a major factor: independent research shows ChipsAway is recognised by 11 times more customers than its nearest competitor. That awareness, built through years of national TV advertising and online marketing, means customers seek out ChipsAway by name.
UK motor insurers paid out a record £11.9 billion across 2.5 million claims in 2025, with vehicle damage repairs alone accounting for £7.5 billion, according to ABI claims data.
The lead generation system is another significant advantage. ChipsAway's national advertising campaigns generate hundreds of thousands of customer enquiries each year across the network, with leads distributed directly to franchisees in their local territories. Each franchisee receives their own dedicated, fully profiled territory, ensuring no overlap with neighbouring franchise owners.
ChipsAway franchisees consistently highlight the flexibility and earning potential of the business. One franchisee described the model as delivering exactly what it promises, noting that following the system leads to strong results. Another praised the marketing support, explaining that ChipsAway handles much of the lead generation, allowing franchisees to focus on delivering great repairs. With over 90,000 reviews on Trustpilot and a 4.9-star average rating, the customer satisfaction levels speak for themselves.
ChipsAway is a full member of the British Franchise Association (BFA) and holds IMI, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 accreditations. The brand is also affiliated with 3M and the BVRLA. These credentials provide additional assurance to both franchisees and customers that ChipsAway operates to the highest standards in the industry.
The ChipsAway franchise suits motivated individuals who want to take control of their career without the risk of starting from scratch. Whether you are looking for a single-van lifestyle business or have ambitions to build a multi-unit operation, the model can flex to meet your goals. With territories still available across the country, now is a great time to find out more about what ChipsAway could offer you.
The ChipsAway Franchise combines a 30-year-old brand, IMI-accredited training, national lead generation and protected territories. Request information through Franchise Hunt to start exploring available areas.
Interested in exploring more opportunities in this sector? Take a look at other automotive franchise opportunities available on Franchise Hunt.
See where this franchise sits compared to others on Franchise Hunt
Pricier than
66%
£30k
Under £30k
Franchises Like This
Automotive Franchises
Habcheck is the only national brand for mobile motorhome and caravan habitation checks, providing Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) certified inspections directly at owners' homes or storage facilities. Part of the Major Oak Ventures group (which also operates Motorhome Depot), Habcheck fills a critical gap in the leisure vehicle market where demand for professional inspection services has long outstripped supply. With approximately one million motorhomes and caravans on the road, the franchise offers a unique opportunity in a growing, untapped market with virtually no direct competition.
Automotive Franchises
Optic-Kleer is the leading windscreen repair franchise in the country, established for over 30 years and now operating across the UK, US and Europe. Trading from supermarket and DIY car parks under exclusive national agreements with chains like Sainsbury's, the brand offers a low-investment, low-overhead model with no cold calling required. The Optic-Kleer Franchise sees customers come to franchisees while they shop, generating fast, repeatable business with high margins.
Automotive Franchises
Revive! is the leading independent provider of mobile SMART repairs in the automotive industry, with over 50 franchisees and nearly 200 vans on the road. Established in 1994 and a BFA Gold Franchisor of the Year winner, the brand specialises in repairing bumper scuffs, paintwork scratches, minor dents, and alloy wheel damage for private motorists, dealerships, and national fleet accounts. With a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating from over 40,000 reviews, Investors in People Platinum status, and record-breaking turnover in 2025, Revive! offers a proven management franchise in a market where demand far outstrips supply.
Automotive Franchises
Autosmart is a multi-award-winning van-based franchise and the largest manufacturer of professional vehicle cleaning products for trade customers in the country. Established in 1979 and franchising since 1999, the network runs over 100 mobile showrooms locally, supplying 300+ specialist products to garages, dealerships, hauliers and more. No royalties, established customer bases and an exclusive territory make this one of the most proven van franchises around.
To find out more about the ChipsAway Franchise franchise opportunity, simply click below to fill out the form to speak with a representative from the brand.
Request Free Information Today
The minimum investment for a ChipsAway Franchise franchise starts from £29,995. This typically covers the franchise fee, training, and initial setup. Additional costs such as premises, equipment, and working capital may apply.
Yes, ChipsAway Franchise provides training for new franchisees. This typically covers operations, business management, marketing, and ongoing support to help you get started and grow your franchise.
ChipsAway Franchise offers third party financing options to help prospective franchisees fund their investment. Contact the franchise directly for details on available funding support.
ChipsAway Franchise was established in 1994. With 32 years of experience, the brand has built a track record in the UK franchise market.
ChipsAway Franchise currently has 200 franchise outlets operating across the UK, demonstrating network coverage and brand presence.
ChipsAway Franchise franchise opportunities are available across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Contact the franchisor through the enquiry form to confirm specific territory availability in your area.
